Snow, ice turns roads into slide zones

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -  Dozens of crashes, slide offs and traffic snarls were reported throughout West Michigan because of the wintry conditions, but no one suffered any major injuries.

In Van Buren County, dozens of vehicles and a semi-truck were involved in a collision on I-94 east of Hartford during near whiteout conditions around 10 a.m. Authorities said the accident was caused by drivers going too fast for conditions.

Among the drivers involved were three people from Canada, the sheriff's department said.

In Kent County, there were 10 accidents reported. In Allegan County, as many as 30 cars slid off along US-131, and another 20 slid off in Ottawa County.

US-131 was also the scene for another 20 accidents and slide offs in Kalamazoo County, with another six slide offs reported in Calhoun County.

Roads and overpasses throughout West Michigan are icy and covered in blowing and drifting snow, the Michigan State Police report.

Every major road and highway has that designation as of 5 p.m. Saturday.

Lake-effect snow advisories continue through the weekend, and some areas may see white-out conditions.

Grand Rapids police are trying to enforce the odd/even parking, but said other, more urgent matters are taking precedent. City plow drivers are trying to maintain the main roads first, officials said.

Get the latest information on roads from the Michigan State Police in the woodtv.com Traffic section , including the MDOT traffic cams.

Stay with Storm Team 8 for the latest information.